The Stoicism Workbook by Scott Waltman, R. Trent Codd, and Kasey Pierce is a practical guide to building emotional strength, clarity, and resilience through Stoic philosophy. It focuses especially on the Socratic method of inquiry.

The authors draw from their backgrounds in clinical psychology. They blend Stoic principles with evidence-based therapies such as ACT and DBT, which are part of the third wave of cognitive-behavioural techniques. The result is a hands-on journey that helps readers not just think like Stoics—but live like them.

What does the book cover?

The Stoicism Workbook starts with Stoicism and emotional resilience. Next, it explains the dichotomy of control, a core Stoic concept. Then, it discusses how living by virtue and values strengthens our ability to face adversity. The fourth chapter brings it all together by answering: “How can we live like a Stoic?”

The three chapters that follow guide readers through mental transformation:

ï    From demandingness to acceptance
ï    From tolerating discomfort to reducing suffering
ï    From criticism to compassion

The final part focuses on:

ï    Building interpersonal skills
ï    Overcoming ignorance
ï    Using Socratic questioning to break free from stuck thinking

The authors link these ideas to everyday problems. Exercises are included to help readers apply what they learn. There’s even space to write responses, making the book feel like a personal journal.

Socratic roots, modern tools

The subtitle—How the Wisdom of Socrates Can Help You Build Resilience and Overcome Anything Life Throws at You—sets the tone. The workbook encourages deep questioning and helps readers examine their values, emotions, and assumptions.

A typical exercise might ask: “What triggered a recent emotional reaction? What belief caused it?”

That’s classic Stoicism: It’s not events that disturb us, but our judgments.

But the book goes beyond theory. It helps you reframe harmful beliefs using Stoic virtues like wisdom, courage, and temperance.

Practical without being prescriptive

The Stoicism Workbook doesn’t push a one- size-fits-all routine. Instead, it’s flexible. You can work through it at your own pace. The tone is warm and inviting. It avoids oversimplifying Stoic ideas into feel-good clichés.

It also doesn’t shy away from real suffering. The authors offer thoughtful tools to navigate life’s challenges.
The integration with ACT techniques is especially strong. Concepts like cognitive defusion  and  values  clarification  fit beautifully with Stoic teachings. The authors demonstrate that psychology doesn’t dilute Stoicism but deepens our understanding of Stoicism.

A few observations

This isn’t a book on Stoic theory. It doesn’t explore historical or philosophical contexts in depth. Instead, it focuses on solving problems.

At times, the tone leans into self-help language—like “unlock your potential” or “live your best life.” That’s probably inevitable, given that it’s written to be practical and inviting to a modern audience.

Once past that, readers will find a well- structured, thoughtful book. Exercises are meaningful. The Stoicism Workbook delivers on its promise.

Final verdict

The Stoicism Workbook is a strong addition to modern Stoic literature. It keeps the spirit of ancient philosophy alive while offering tools for today’s world.

Whether you're just starting out or deep into your Stoic practice, this book will help you live differently—not just think differently.

Highly recommended for those looking to put Stoic principles into practice. Practioners will find the workbook format particularly useful.

The Stoicism Workbook by Scott Waltman, R. Trent Codd, and Kasey Pierce. New Harbinger, 2025

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